It is often asked how can a powerful magnet be brought on the plane and what measures need to be taken? What are the requirements for packing? Today, Courage, a strong magnet manufacturer, will tell you in detail.

Due to the weak stray magnetic field interferes with the aircraft's navigation system and control signals, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies magnetic cargo as Category 9 dangerous goods, which must be restricted when collected and transported. Therefore, some air cargo with magnetic substances need to pass the magnetic detection in order to ensure the normal flight of the aircraft. Magnetic materials, audio materials and other instruments containing magnetic accessories should be passed magnetic testing.

Standard for air transportation of magnets

• According to the relevant provisions of IATA902, if the maximum magnetic field intensity measured at 2.1m from the object to be measured does not exceed 0.159A/m(200nT, that is, equal to 2mGs = 0.002Gs), the item is not restricted as a magnetic substance and can be treated as a general cargo.

• If the maximum magnetic field strength measured at 2.1m from the measured object exceeds 0.159A/m, but any magnetic field strength at 4.6m from the surface of the measured object is less than 0.418A/m, the goods can be transported as dangerous goods.

• If the strength of any magnetic field at 4.6m from the surface of the item under test is greater than 0.418A/m, then the item is strictly prohibited for air transport.

In order to meet the above air requirements, the magnet that needs to be transported by air is degaussed.Although the procedure is called demagnetizing, it is not demagnetizing the magnet, but through special shielding packaging, so that the magnetic display of the package meets the requirements of aviation safety transportation.

Shielding packaging is generally made of high-permeability magnetic materials, such as cold-rolled sheet and galvanized sheet, and if the number of magnetic materials is large, several layers should be packed. The magnetic permeability of high permeability material is very high, according to the principle of Faraday electric cage, the magnetic field after packaging is mainly circulated in the box, and the leakage is very little, and the carton or wooden box is used for secondary packaging outside the shielding package.

Accompanied by a picture of a strong neodymium ring magnets

The packing matters should be paid attention to when the magnet is transported by air

1. The opposite magnetic poles of magnetron and illuminometer instruments and devices must be placed relative to each other.

2. The permanent magnet material must be equipped with a magnetic armature or shielded，in order to prevent the magnetic field from causing deviation of the compass instrument.

3. Each package of magnetic materials must be correctly marked and labeled in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 7 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Code.

4. Ensure that the magnetic field intensity measured 4.6 meters (15 feet) from the surface of the package does not exceed 0.418A/m (0.00525 Gauss) before the shipment of the goods.

5. It is recommended to pack large pieces in wooden cases.

Appraisal of conditions of transport of goods:

Magnetic testing requires customers to package the goods according to air requirements, the test will not damage the packaging of the goods. In principle, the test is not to unbox the goods, but the detection of stray magnetic field on the 6 faces of each piece of goods.

If the magnetic test of the goods is not qualified, special attention is needed. First, with the consent of the customer, the magnetic inspection staff will be entrusted to unbox the goods, and then make relevant reasonable suggestions according to the specific situation.

If the shielding can meet the requirements of air transportation, the cargo shall be shielded according to the client's authorization and the relevant fees shall be charged.

Here are some tips for shipping at home and abroad:

Send to China: mainstream logistics companies such as SF Express, Shentong and other magnetic materials do not receive air bills, can only be transported by land; EMS can issue the "Air transport conditions Identification Report", express delivery collector will determine whether the delivery can be received according to the situation.

Send abroad: EMS, SF Express does not accept magnetic materials sent abroad (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) waybills, whether land or air transport are not accepted. DHL or UPS can be used overseas, but customers are required to do magnetic testing, express companies can apply for testing business, generally to find DGM testing (different testing institutions in the place of shipment), the cost is paid by the customer.

Hope the above information are helpful to you, if you have any magnet requirement, please contact us！